Introduction
Choosing a career path is dependent on a number of reasons, some personal, others externally motivated. Once a person comes up with a career path that suits his/her interests and acquires the knowledge and skills necessary for that career, it becomes necessary to familiarize oneself with the wider job industry as a way of learning about the opportunities that it presents in terms of job opportunities, career advancement, monetary rewards and other benefits as well as other general trends related to the industry and line of work.
Early Intervention
I am interested in a career in the Early Intervention industry as an Early Intervention Specialist. I believe intervening early in cases where children are born with certain developmental disabilities gives them a chance to improve their abilities in task performance from an early stage thereby giving them better chances in their growth and development. Early intervention services are offered to children as soon as they are born up until the age of three. The services range from therapeutic, educational, physical and general health treatments and when administered since the onset of birth there is a better chance that the children will develop as expected and not require the services later on in life (National Dissemination Centre for Children with Disabilities, 2010, para. 2)
Job Description and Responsibilities
The job description of an early intervention specialist varies depending on the specific field the person chooses to work, that is whether he or she chooses to work as a developmental specialist, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist or teacher for those who need specialized care. In most cases one is required to have basic knowledge in all the areas above. The necessary responsibilities also depend on the specific cases the person is dealing with, the age of the children, the work environment and how severe or not the case is.
There are however general responsibilities for all intervention specialists and they include: Planning a schedule that will fit the needs of the children and implementing this plan in a way that ensures that all the developmental needs of the children are met as well as those of the children’s families. Carrying out constant evaluations and reviews of the children’s’ progress as the program continues. Supervising and participating in the family activities in which the child and the family are present in order to monitor the situation and offer advice to the children and their families where necessary. Following the activities as laid out in the plan so as to ensure that the family and children stick to the schedule as this will ensure that stability and consistence for the children is maintained. Keep all records regarding the children up to date and report to the organization he or she is working for as well as to the children’s families. The intervention specialists work in any environment that is required from the children’s homes, day care centers or classrooms as required.
Salary Scale
In the United States, the salary scale of an early intervention specialist depends on the city he or she is working in, the employment institution and the level and years of experience the person has. Entry level specialist with less than a year’s experience earn the least, that is between $29,000 and $35,000, with the more experienced specialists earning between $37,000 and $60,000.
The salaries are different in companies, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and the general public and private sector. Other than monetary benefits such as wages, salaries and bonuses, early intervention specialists also get non monetary benefits such as paid vacations, promotions, medical benefits and the like.
Career Advancement
Career advancement in the Early Intervention job industry is available and one can be able to move up the employment ladder mostly based on ones experience and education advancement. There are different levels of employment available and the higher the level of employment the higher the monetary and non monetary benefits. For example, early intervention specialists who hold senior positions in their organizations get longer vacations and higher bonuses.
Job Opportunities and Education Requirements
There are large job opportunities for early intervention specialists and with the right qualifications; it is easy to get a job. For entry level specialists it is advisable to at least have gone through an internship program as it gives one an opportunity to gain practical experience. It is also easier to get a job when one has had experience in the working environment. Different organizations offer opportunities for such internships (Department of Civil Service, 2007, para. 6). It is better to attend such internship programs while still in school such that by the time one is through the person already has the necessary experience.
The education requirements for early intervention specialists include a High School Diploma or GED (Graduate Equivalency Diploma) and post secondary education training such as a Bachelors Degree in a relevant field such as Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Physical Therapy, Special Education, Language Pathology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Nutrition. Credentials from institutions such as the Child Development associate, Utah Department of Health are always an added advantage to those willing to work in the Early Intervention Programs. (Baby Watch, 2010, pp 8-11)
Conclusion
In order to attain job satisfaction, it is necessary to work in an organization which offers job security, good salary scales and acceptable non monetary benefits are necessary. Other areas include a conducive working environment, opportunities for growth and development in the career as well as promotions offer grounds for job satisfaction. As an employee networking with people working within ones job industry as well as related industries is necessary as it is through them that one gets to learn of new opportunities of developing ones career. (Lassiter, 2002, pp. 4)This can be done through attending the necessary workshops and seminars.
References
Baby Watch. (2010). Early Intervention Credentialing Guide and Portfolio Planner. Web.
Department of Civil Service. (2007). Early Intervention Specialist 1, 2, 3. Web.
Lassiter, P. (2002). The New Job Security. California: Ten Speed Press.
National Dissemination Centre for Children with Disabilities. (2010). Overview of Early Intervention. Web.